How to disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC: the complete guide

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC is a useful feature that automatically turns off the screen during a phone conversation when you bring the device to your ear. However, sometimes this sensor starts to malfunction: the screen goes out for no reason, does not respond to touch or, conversely, does not turn off during the call, which leads to accidental pressing. If you encounter such problems, completely disabling the sensor can be a temporary solution.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible ways to deactivate the proximity sensor on the Redmi 9C NFC, from standard settings to hidden engineering menus and ADB commands. You will learn how to check the sensor’s performance before turning off, what risks exist, and what to do if the screen stopped responding to touch after manipulation. Importantly, some methods require super-user rights (root), so evaluate your technical capabilities in advance.

Why to turn off the proximity sensor and when it is dangerous

The main reason for the sensor deactivation is the incorrect operation during calls.

• 📵 The screen goes out when you talk, even if the phone is not pressed to your ear.
• 🔄 The sensor does not turn back on after the call is completed (black screen)
• 🤯 Accidental taps on the screen during a conversation due to lack of locking
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to constant sensor activity

However, before disabling, consider the potential risks:

• ⚡ Accidental taps during a call (such as turning off the microphone or ending a call)
• 🔋 Quick battery drain as the screen stays active
• 🛠️ Loss of warranty if you use informal methods (root, modified firmware)

⚠️ Warning: If the sensor is software-disabled and the black screen problem persists, the cause may be a hardware malfunction (damaged plume, disconnected contact) in which case a diagnosis is required at the service center.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard settings (without root)

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI options. Unfortunately, there is no direct “Disable Proximity Sensor” button in the Redmi 9C NFC, but you can get around this limitation through the special features settings.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Go to the Physical Opportunities section → Gesture management.
3. Activate the option to Ignore the proximity sensor (may be called Disable the sensor when calling depending on the version of MIUI).
4. Restart your phone to apply the changes.

If you don’t have this option, try an alternative route:

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Additional settings.
2. Select Security and Privacy → Application Permissions.
3. Find the Phone app, open its permissions and disable access to the Sensors.

⚠️ Note: Disabling permissions for the Phone application may cause calls to crash (e.g., no subscriber number will be determined) This method is recommended only for temporary testing.

Method 2: Engineering menu (codes and hidden settings)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Xiaomi’s engineering menu, which doesn’t require root rights, but it requires caution – incorrect settings can disrupt your phone.

Steps to enter the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##6484## (to test sensors) or #4636## (total engineering menu).
3. Select Hardware Testing → Sensor from the menu.
4. Find the Proximity Sensor string and click on it.
5. In the window that opens, select Disable or uncheck Enable.

If the combinations don't work, try the alternative code: ##36446337## (for hardware testing). In some Redmi 9C NFC firmware, the engineering menu may be blocked, in which case you will need to unlock the bootloader.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If previous methods have failed, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which requires a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. Turn on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate developer mode).
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
5. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 1

To return the sensor to operating condition, use:

adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 0

If the command fails, try an alternative method by changing the configuration file:

adb shell


su




echo "ro.vendor.proximity.disable=1" >> /vendor/build.prop




exit




exit




adb reboot

⚠️ Note: Changing the build.prop file can cause the system to run unstable. Before editing, make a backup of the file with the command: adb pull /vendor/build.prop

💡

If after disabling the sensor, the screen stopped responding to touch, reset the settings via Settings → System → Reset (without deleting data) This will return the sensor to its original state.

Checking the operability of the sensor before disconnecting

Before you deactivate the sensor, make sure it's the problem.

1. Open the engineering menu (see Method 2).
2. Select Sensor. → Proximity Sensor.
3. Cover the top of the phone (where the sensors are located) with your hand.
4. If the screen shows Far → Near (far away) → If the values don't change or if the Error shows, the sensor is defective.

Alternative test without an engineering menu:

1. Install the Sensor Test app from Google Play.
2. Run the proximity sensor test.
3. Put your hand to the top of the phone – the value should change from 5.0 cm (maximum distance) to 0.0 cm (close).

💡

If the proximity sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a phone crash), turning it off will not solve the problem, in which case the sensor in the service center needs to be replaced.

What to do if the sensor is turned off, but the problem remains

If the screen is still incorrect after the sensor is deactivated, check the following points:

• 🔄 Phone reboot – sometimes changes only apply after a reboot.
• 📱 Update MIUI — In new versions of the firmware can be fixed bugs with sensors.
• 🛠️ Resetting settings (without deleting data) via Settings → System system → Resetting settings.
• 🔧 Virus Checking – Some Apps Can Simulate the Sensor.

If nothing helps, the problem may be:

• 🔋 Failures of the plume connecting the sensor to the motherboard.
• 📱 Firmware damage (for example, after a failed update).
• 🛠️ Hardware defect of the screen (for example, detachment of the touch screen).

On the Redmi 9C NFC, the proximity sensor is combined with the light sensor in one module, and if the automatic brightness control stopped working after the shutdown, that's why, and then the only solution is to replace the module in the service.

Alternative solutions: how to use a phone without a proximity sensor

If you have turned off the sensor, but want to avoid accidental pressing during calls, use alternative methods:

• 🔄 Manually lock the screen with the power button before the call.
• 📱 Use of headset (earphones with microphone) – the screen will be locked automatically.
• 🛠️ Install a third-party call management application (e.g. ExDialer).
• 🔧 Customization of gestures in MIUI to quickly turn off the screen (for example, double touching).

For convenience, you can create a widget for quick access to the screen lock:

1. Long press on the main screen → Widgets.
2. Find the screen lock widget or shortcuts.
3. Drag him to the desk.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on the Redmi 9C NFC